The classroom was already half full when Eli and his friends entered. The voices echoed in a soft hubbub, mixing laughter and lively discussion. They quickly found seats at the back of the room and settled in together.

Eli cast discreet glances around the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of the two new students. She remembers the mysterious boy by the lake and wonders if it could be Tayden. While she is lost in thought, a voice echoes through the door.

"Good morning everyone, please sit down," says Madame Laurent, their head teacher this year.

The murmurs gradually died down as all the students turned to face the blackboard. Madame Laurent is a middle-aged woman, rigorous but fair, known for her well-prepared lessons.

"Before we start, I'd like to introduce you to this year's two new students. They both come from different cities, so please try to welcome them as best you can."

She motions for someone to enter. A young man with dark hair and piercing eyes crossed the threshold. It's definitely him, Eli thinks. Tayden. The boy she saw down by the lake.

"Hi. My name's Tayden," he said in a steady voice, his eyes scanning the room curiously. His eyes linger on Eli for a moment. She notices the slight pause.

After him, a young girl with blonde hair and a delicate appearance enters in her turn. She smiles shyly at the assembly.

"Hello, my name is Kelly. I hope we get on well," she said before taking a seat next to Tayden.

The class starts quickly, but Eli's mind wanders. She can't stop looking at Tayden. High school is a place where every newcomer can upset the established balance.

At the first break, Alicia can't help but whisper to Eli.

"You've seen him before, right? The guy's really not bad," she says with a knowing wink.

Eli nods, suddenly blushing. "Yeah, I've seen him. That's the guy I saw swimming at the lake."

Julia intervenes. "There'll be plenty of time to find out. Speaking of which, I can't wait to go and see Page this afternoon. She's probably sick of being in the hospital and missing school." Eli looks at Taylor, who seems to be chomping at the bit and not listening at all to what Ms Laurent is saying.

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In the hall where they are gathered during the break, a particular commotion catches their attention. Tayden and Kelly are surrounded by a small group of curious onlookers. Jo, in her usual cynical way, rolls her eyes. "Look at them, already popular, those two."

Eli smiles, "Give them a chance, Jo. Everyone deserves a warm welcome."

Giving him a mischievous smile, she adds, "Besides, maybe it's good to see some new faces."

The bell rings, and they return to class. The rest of the morning passes without a hitch, until the lunch break. Eli, Alicia and Julia meet by the old oak tree in the courtyard, their favourite spot for as long as they can remember.

Tayden and Kelly arrive, escorted by Eliot.

"I'll introduce them to the important people in the school," says Eliot.

"Can we sit with you?" asks Kelly a little shyly.

Alicia nods in agreement. "Sure."

"So, what brings you here?" asks Julia.

Eli feels his heart beating a thousand miles an hour.

Tayden shrugs. "My parents wanted to move to a small town."

Eli straightens, interested. "What about you, Kelly?"

"My parents moved for work. It's a bit stressful, but I'm getting used to it," she replies, her eyes seeking comfort in theirs.

Kelly has barely finished speaking when Julia resumes the conversation with enthusiasm. "You'll see, you soon get used to it here. It's a small town but there's always something to do!"

Tayden smiles. Eli can't take her eyes off him, even though she's trying to keep a low profile. Alicia, meanwhile, shoots curious glances at Kelly.

"And what did you do before you came here?" asks Alicia, obviously eager to know more.

"I used to dance," replies Kelly, playing with a lock of her blonde hair. "I'm hoping to find a studio here too."

"That must be nice," exclaims Julia. "I could help you find a good studio if you want. My sister used to dance, she knows the local scene well."

"That would be great, thank you," replies Kelly, a more confident smile on her lips.

Tayden, however, remains more evasive. "I used to do quite a bit of sport," he says with a slight shrug.

The end-of-lunch bell rings, interrupting their conversation. They all got up, gathered their things and headed for the classroom.

Madame Laurent introduces the project on which they will be working in groups. "You will form teams of five for this research project," she announces. "I expect good cooperation from everyone."

Eli, Alicia and Julia exchange knowing glances. They often work together, but today they have to integrate the newcomers. Madame Laurent assigns Tayden and Kelly to their group, which does not displease Eli.

The bell rings again to change classes. On the way out to their next class, Julia whispers to Eli, "This is a good opportunity to get to know our new friends better, don't you think?"